Rev Up Your Career: A Quick Guide to Engineering Apprenticeships
Hey future engineers! If you’re revved up about the idea of diving headfirst into the world of engineering with a hands-on, practical approach (as well as earning whilst you learn) then buckle up for an exciting journey through the discovery of engineering apprenticeships.
In this quick guide, we’ll navigate you through the apprentice journey, explore the progression routes from level 3 through to higher degree levels, and zoom into the benefits compared to the traditional university route. Let’s fuel up those engines and gain a career of a lifetime with an engineering apprenticeship!
The Apprentice Journey: Accelerating from Novice to Pro
Embarking on an engineering apprenticeship is like stepping into the driver’s seat of your career race car. You’re not just learning about engineering; you’re living and breathing it. Typically spanning from two to four years for a level 4, the apprentice journey is a dynamic experience that blends classroom learning with real-world application and industry experience.
Ground Zero – The Beginning of the Learning Journey
Before embarking on your engineering apprenticeship journey, you need to find one of course! You can explore apprenticeship opportunities by researching companies, attending career fairs, and networking with professionals in the field. Another option is to attend open days for apprenticeships, where you can speak to current learners, tutors and maybe even real industry employers – who knows, you may even bag an interview on the day!
Foundation Phase – Level 2: Laying the Blueprint
In the foundation phase, you’ll dive into the nitty-gritty, getting your hands dirty with the foundational elements of engineering. It’s like tuning up your engine, learning about mechanical systems, and mastering the art of electrical circuits. This is equivalent to GCSE and lasts 15 months.
Development Phase – Level 3: Specialising in Full Throttle
As you accelerate through the gears, the training becomes more specialised. Whether you’re into aerospace, civil, or electrical engineering, you’ll choose a pathway that aligns with your passion. You’ll work on real projects, applying your learning to solve authentic engineering challenges. This phase is equivalent to A-Level and lasts 24 months.
Practitioner Phase – Level 4: Fine-Tuning Your Engineering Symphony
At Level 4, your skills will reach new heights. Like a master mechanic fine-tuning a high-performance engine, you’ll work on intricate projects, honing your expertise in your chosen field. This is the stage where you not only understand how things work but also contribute your innovative ideas to make them work even better. This stage is equivalent to HNC and can last 18 months.
MYTH VS REALITY: “You can’t achieve degree level qualifications with an Apprenticeship!”
WRONG! You absolutely can progress from foundation level right through to Level 7!
Specialist Phase – Level 5: Hitting the Engineering Racetrack
Your apprenticeship can continue even further, gaining higher level skills and knowledge. Many apprentices find themselves seamlessly transitioning into full-time roles within the company they trained with, where they progress their roles into something more specialist. This phase is equivalent to a foundation degree and can last 24 months.
Professional Phase – Level 6-7: Winning the Engineering Grand Prix
For those hungry for the ultimate challenge, degree apprenticeships at levels 6 and 7 offer the chance to earn a full-fledged bachelor’s or master’s degree while working. Imagine racing through the Engineering Grand Prix with a degree in hand, proving that you can conquer both the twists and turns of theoretical knowledge and the high-speed challenges of the real-world engineering racetrack. This level is equivalent to a degree and can last 24 months .
Engineering Apprenticeships vs. University
The age-old question… What are the benefits of an Apprenticeship vs University? Let’s take a look…
Hands-On Experience: Apprenticeships provide the thrill of hands-on experience from day one, allowing you to rev up your practical skills.
Earn While You Learn: Forget about burning through your savings. With apprenticeships, you’re earning a wage whilst gaining a career of a lifetime in engineering.
Tailored to Industry: Apprenticeships are designed in collaboration with industry leaders, ensuring that what you learn is directly applicable to the fast lane of the job market.
Clear Career Progression: The structured progression route allows you to shift gears up the career ladder without losing sight of the finish line.
Find out more about Engineering Apprenticeships vs University here.
So, there you have it! Buckle up, choose your career path, and get ready for an exhilarating journey into the world of engineering apprenticeships. The road ahead is paved with adrenaline-fuelled challenges and an exciting future, but one thing’s for sure – choosing an engineering apprenticeship will fast track you into innovation and endless possibilities.
Upcoming Open Days at In-Comm
Have you left school and are not sure on what career route to take? Then why not attend one of our open days for apprenticeships! Book on below:
26th March – Aldridge Academy Open Day
28th March – Telford Academy Open Day
Our Resources:
- Download our FREE simple guide to apprenticeships
- Interview techniques
- Engineering job roles explained
Follow us on our socials to stay up to date with our current apprentices and see live vacancies!
